“He submitted a bid to the innovation fund to help support the rollout of a mobile data solution, once the current pilot of mobile devices has been evaluated.

“The tablets will be used by frontline officers to help in their day-to-day duties and enable them to spend more time patrolling Cheshire’s communities.”

Temporary deputy chief constable Janette McCormick said: “We have been testing out the use of iPads and other mobile devices in Warrington.

“This is part of our efforts to make sure neighbourhood officers remain in the community rather than returning to police stations to complete paperwork.

“An innovation funding bid has been made to the Government to fund the devices.”

An answer is expected by the end of the month.

Simon Roberts, chairman of Cheshire Police Federation, welcomed the bid but raised questions over how effective using iPads would be.

He said: “If the technology is usable, then fine. How IT is used is a huge issue in the police, but the principle is great.

“If a police officer is arresting someone, it’s ok to do a statement on an iPad, and it’s fine for police, but sharing it with other agencies like courts and probation service, is where it becomes difficult.”